It would be good to obtain the minimum
2009-11-06 10:01Bagaturia is calling to level the pensions up to the same figure. "The maximum size of pension is defined as 75 laris, while the cost of living is 150 laris. We are offering the executive authorities a certain project implying a three-staged growth of pensions; on each stage, the pension will grow by 25 laris", - he stated recently.
The Laborites demanded a still more significant increase of pensions up to 215 laris. One of the leaders of the Labor Party Kakha Dzagania referred to the five-laris-increase as to another "lot of opium" for the people, as GHN reports.
"The growth of pensions by five laris, of which Saakashvili is so proud, was realized via the means taken from dozens of social programs. It is also notable that there is a blank space opposite some of the budget programs in the Georgian budget 2010", - the Laborite stated. For instance, the budget of Georgia was released from such burden as the maintenance of schools in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
According to the Laborites, it is absolutely unnecessary to cut any social programs in order to increase pensions.
It sounds rather strange, especially with the fact that Georgia's next year budget is going to be adverse. Tax revenues are going to make up 4, 24 bln laris, while the expenses are going to amount to 5, 281 bln laris.
Perhaps, the opposition is trying to earn political score via criticizing the president. For instance, Bagaturia is demanding pensions for the participants and victims of the August war and the reduction of the pension age from 65 years old for men and 60 years old for women down to 60 and 55 years respectively. All these steps require additional means. Where can one get them?
It looks like the truth is somewhere in the middle: Saakashvili would be glad to raise the pensions according to the people's request. Still, where can he get the money if the economy is practically stagnant?
Still, the president seems to have enough money to pay for his foreign trips and magnificent residences. Well, one can hardly gain the confidence of investors and influential western politicians without dusting their eyes. At the same time, one should also give appearance of care and desire to fulfill the promise about the 100-dollars pension; otherwise, one's being in office is not going to last long.
Salome Batiani
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